The Benedictine Order

The Benedictine Order - as well as the orders of Cistercians and Trappists - can be traced back to Saint Benedict of Nursia who composed his rule in the 6th century in Monte Cassino (between Rome and Naples). Today there are around 40.000 Benedictine monks and nuns worldwide. The two most important sources of Benedictine spirituality are the Holy Bible and the rule of St. Benedict. The writings created by Benedictine monks and nuns throughout the centuries form an additional rich source of faith.

The Benedictine monasteries are affiliated in 21 congregations, which in turn form a worldwide Benedictine confederation. Heading each congregation is the Abbot-Moderator who is elected every 6 years. The Abbot-Primate is leading the confederation from his offices in Rome, he is reelected every eight years.

Admont and 13 further monasteries (among them the Archabbey of St. Peter/Salzburg, the Abbeys of Melk, Göttweig, Kremsmünster and others) form the Austrian Benedictine congregation. Besides these there are two further Benedictine monasteries and four Benedictine nunneries.

The monasteries are not subordinated to the regional bishop and are only subject to directives of the pope. They act in economic autonomy and do not receive any share of taxes paid to the church. 

Organization of a Benedictine Monastery

The monastery is led by the abbot. He is the father (abbas = abbot = father) and head of the monastery and has full jurisdiction within it. In many matters, however, the abbot cannot take a decision without agreement of the chapter (= general assembly of monks in eternal profession) or the senior and economic assembly consisting of four to six monks, some appointed and some elected.

The abbot's deputy is the prior. He represents the abbot during his absence and assists him in leading and managing the monastery. The third in line of seniority is the sub-prior who leads the monastery should both abbot and prior be absent. The further ranking of the monks depends on the time they spent living with the monastic community, not their biological age.